Another contributing factor was department leaders' apparent lack of interest "in learning about or continuing to use the forward-thinking agenda of science," Knowles told Alaska Public Radio. The board advises the interior secretary and the National Park Service on matters such as designation of natural and historic landmarks.

Interior Department Associate Deputy Secretary Todd Willens said Wednesday it's "patently false" to say the department hasn't engaged with the board, the Associated Press reported. He said the terms of two members had expired and their resignations are a "hollow and dishonest political stunt."

'Late Night’: A Closer Look at Giuliani, Miller Defending Trump

Seth Meyers takes a closer look at how President Donald Trump's friends and aides have abandoned him, leaving only Stephen Miller and Rudy Giuliani to defend him.